102 UPOLU — MANONO — SAVAI I. 



much alarm, but the chief was missing. It was therefore considered 

 advisable to make no hostile demonstrations ; as no good purpose could 

 have been effected by following him to the mountains, where it would 

 have been impossible to apprehend him. 



The boats therefore returned, and although without succeeding in 

 the main object of the expedition, something was gained in reviving 

 his apprehensions of being captured. His village was not destroyed, 

 because to do so would have been no injury to him, but only distress- 

 ing to its poor inhabitants. He would have laughed at the idea of 

 his being punished by the burning of their habitations, as it is said 

 he did so when an attempt was made, during a previous cruise of the 

 Vincennes, by her commander, who visited his village, and burned 

 two or three of his houses. 



The impunity he has hitherto enjoyed has served to render him 

 audacious, and it is not long since he put to death an American sea- 

 man, who had been left sick in his charge. 



Opotuno is detested by his brother chiefs, not only for his aggres- 

 sions upon foreigners, but on his countrymen also. Only a short time 

 before our arrival, he seduced and carried off the wife of Vavasa. 

 This act was considered so outrageous, and was so deeply resented, 

 that we were informed a war was only prevented by the near relation- 

 ship of these two chiefs. The Samoans regard with horror the idea of 

 those connected by ties of consanguinity, fighting against each other. 



Opotuno is not only related to Vavasa, but is the adopted son of old 

 Pea of Manono, a connexion which was not without its effect in 

 averting hostilities. 



On the 4th of November, a fono was held, according to the appoint- 

 ment made with Malietoa, in the fale-tele of Apia. All the officers 

 who could be spared from the ships were ordered to attend. Old Pea, 

 the chief of Apia, seemed to be the master of ceremonies on the 

 occasion. Clean mats were spread for the chiefs, and chairs and 

 benches borrowed from the missionaries' houses were placed for us. 

 opposite to them. All the highest chiefs of the " Malo" party were 

 present, except Pea of Manono, and two minor chiefs of Savaii. 

 Malietoa presided. His whole demeanour was dignified, composed, 

 and thoughtful. His personal appearance has already been spoken of, 

 and the form of his head, his white hair, and dignified bearing, again 

 reminded us of General Jackson. He is slender and tall, although 

 somewhat bent by age. It was to be regretted that his dress was ill 

 chosen, and rather detracted from the respect he would have inspired 

 had he appeared in his native garb; he wore pantaloons, a round 

 iacket, and a pink and white striped cotton shirt. 



